Leases where due to me on 10/17, but on that date I had only received one.

I opened my account on Aug 15th, and during the last ~3 months, my portfolio has gone up by a combined 1% (appreciation and dividend). 

It's not like people won't know that the property isn't in a flood zone; if they finance it through traditional financing then the lender would most likely require that they carry flood insurance. 

Quote from @Frank Chin: @Matthew SpiegelSome years back, I used to go to the local building or planning departments, and get the information from the local offices directly.

What formula or criteria do you use to decide whether to flip or to hold?

I'm curious about what bank is the best bank to do a cashout refinance with.

Having the ability to live for free, while minimizing the taxes on my W2 income.

Hi Myriam,Welcome to the BP forum and starting can be a little confusing but that is why we are here to help. 

Also, what would you recommend about getting a property to fix and flip or rent?

It is definitely important to have one in there.